Lake Eildon Fishing
Lake Eildon Fishing Guide
Lake Eildon is a big artificial lake in northeast Victoria, with over 500 kilometres of shoreline. It feels more like a network of waterways than just one lake. The southern side is lined with thick forest, while the north has grassy farmland. This gives anglers plenty of options, from sheltered arms and open banks to deep channels and easy shoreline access. You can launch boats at the Alliance ramp near the dam wall, Jerusalem Creek, and Goughs Bay. Smaller ramps are open when water levels are high enough. There are also several marinas and lots of houseboats, so many people fish from the water. Around popular fishing spots, you will find useful facilities like toilets, picnic areas, and BBQ spots. There are campgrounds at Jerusalem Creek, the main Eildon township, and Goughs Bay, offering both basic and powered sites, which makes it easy to stay close to the water. These amenities help anglers and families plan a comfortable visit, whether just for the day or an extended trip.
Because Lake Eildon is so large, picking the right spot is important. The dam wall and deep channels are great for trolling for trout, especially from April to October when the weather is cooler. If you are targeting trout here, try using Tassie Devils, small hardbody lures, or winged lures in bright colours, and live baits like worms when bait fishing. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish anywhere on the lake. If you want to fish from the shore, Eildon Pondage is a good choice, especially for families. It has easy bank access and is stocked with trophy rainbow trout. Powerbait, earthworms, and chunky soft plastics work well at the Pondage for rainbow trout. Jerusalem Creek is popular for fishing around structure, and the Big River Arm is known for its native fish. Try spinnerbaits and soft plastics, as they seem effective for Murray cod and yellowbelly. Large diving lures and yabbies also work well in the Big River Arm for these species.
Lake Eildon Fishing Tactics
Fishing tactics should match the water being covered. Trolling suits the dam wall, channels, and broader open water. Your fishing tactics should suit the area you are fishing in.
Trolling works well near the dam wall, in channels, and in open water because it helps you cover more ground.
I’ve had success using Size 2 and 3 Stump Jumpers in the lake system here, especially around submerged trees. However, the popularity of this lure seems to be waning according to a Stump Jumper Fishing Reports analysis I recently performed. So your mileage may vary,
Shore fishing is easier at Eildon Pondage and other spots with good bank access, where you can cast from stable ground.
Bait fishing and casting are also good options, especially if you can fish near clear banks, arms, or structure. Always check if the smaller ramps are open, since they depend on the lake level.
One unique rule at Lake Eildon is that the usual three-month closed season for Murray cod does not apply, so you are allowed to fish for cod all year round here. This exception is in place because of the lake’s specific management and stocking arrangements. However, all other local regulations on size and bag limits still apply to Murray cod, and you should follow any signs or area-specific rules. Other fishing rules, including size and bag limits, still apply. Here are some of the main limits for popular species at Lake Eildon as a guide:
- Murray cod: minimum size 55 cm, maximum size 75 cm, bag limit 1 per person per day
- Golden perch (yellowbelly): minimum size 30 cm, bag limit 5 per person per day
- Trout (rainbow and brown): no minimum size in lakes, bag limit 5 combined per person per day, with no more than 2 fish over 40 cm
- Redfin: no size limit, no bag limit
Please check the latest Victorian regulations before you go fishing, as rules can change and some areas may have additional restrictions.
Can Getfished tell if fish are biting at Lake Eildon, today?
No. Because a forecast cannot truthfully guarantee whether fish are biting at a specific spot right now. Getfished shows the current fishing conditions instead: tide movement, solunar timing, weather, wind, pressure, marine conditions and fishing report derived species history.
Use this information to make informed decisions about where to fish, and to compare conditions across nearby locations. We hope you enjoy using Getfished to find your next great fishing spot!
✨Find out what we learned from analysing 20,000 fishing reports about moon times and fish told us.
Lake Eildon is a location within the region of:
Lake Eildon.
Summer Fishing
Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yellowbelly can be targeted at the location during summer. Activity is strongest for these species during the warmer part of the year. Actual catches will vary according to temperature trends, localised weather and tides.
Autumn Fishing
Brown Trout, Carp, Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yellowbelly are a good choice for anglers to target during autumn. With the water temperature dropping the location provides an opportunity to concentrate on these species.
Winter Fishing
Carp, Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin, Roach and Yellowbelly are the species to focus on because Winter is when the water drops below 15c and this location is no different. Fish can be slower to bite with reduced activity levels. As always what you catch varies with the prevalent temperature trends, localised weather and of course tides.
Spring Fishing
Spring sees the water temperature begin to rise with Australian Salmon, Brown Trout, Carp, Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin, Trout Cod and Yellowbelly becoming more active. Later in spring summer species such as Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Yellowbelly begin to move into the area and can become more common at the location.
